I have tried to quit smoking about half a dozen times over the past couple of years. Several times I have had reasonable amounts of success, but after a few days or a week I would drink a few beers and lose discipline. Alcohol seems to make me do a lot of silly things in general and in particular it makes me incapable of resisting the urge to smoke. I was thinking I could try something like the firefly vape review @vapor-domain.com. It seems like it provides a good substitute for smoking when you reach the point where you have to give in to the urge. It would be great if you were always going to be strong enough to resist temptation, but I suspect you are going to have the point reached where you can not resist. Instead I figure that you can live with an occasional use of the vape as a substitute for the real cigs. It is going to be difficult and I think that I have to figure out how much I can depend on the vape for emergency usage.

When my friend asked me to help him find the best e liquid for refills, I had to confess that I did not know very much about electronic cigarettes at all. I decided it was high time that I did though, so I started doing some research that would help not only him but me too. I was able to find a site that is known for their top quality liquids at prices that are beyond reasonable, and it is there that I learned just how electronic cigarettes actually work.

The ones that I have seen actually look like cigarettes, and I always thought that they had smoke coming from them. I learned that it is not smoke at all though. Instead, it is a water vapor that has no odor to it at all. It looks like smoke, but it is not even close to being in the same category. I also learned that they do not contain any of the bad things found in cigarettes. I knew the main two things are tobacco and tar, but there are so many other things to that are harmful to a person’s body.

Cereal is the most practical breakfast menu. It was crispy-crunchy tasty and more delicious added to milk. This breakfast was able to give nutrients intake and make the body healthy. Cereal is a food with high carbohydrate content, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low in sugar. Cereal is perfect for those who want to lose weight without feeling a sense of weakness. Additional fresh milk is also an important option to increase intake of calcium in the body.

It is better to eat cereal every morning in order to body more energy throughout the day. This is because the high fiber cereal made ​​with whole grains are perfect. Best cereal are whole-grain cereals that made ​​with oats, shredded wheat, or brown rice.

Here are 4 healthy cereal for breakfast:

1. Whole-grain cereals

whole-grain cereals is a good source of vitamin E and fiber. It can make you healthy and stay active throughout the day. When compared to other cereals, whole grain cereals have a low fat, cholesterol, and easy to digest. So, if you’re on a diet, you can eat whole grain cereal to lose weight and clean the toxins from the body.

2. Oat cereal

Haver known as oat, Cereal growing in subtropical and temperate climates. Oat cereals contain a lot of vitamins and folic acid. You can mix it with honey and sliced ​​fresh fruit.

3. Barley cereal

Barley is a cereal similar to animal feed, malt producer, and as a health food. Barley itself is included in the tribe of grains. Patients with diabetes shall eat cereal barley. Barley to control blood sugar and high in fiber, amino acids, anti-oxidants and zinc.

4. Cereals from seeds or nuts

This is a healthy cereal made ​​from whole seed and nuts. One serving of this cereal has 7gram fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 4 grams of sugar. Cereals This type contains a lot of vitamin D, folic acid, and fiber.

For added flavor, you can mix the cereal with sliced ​​fruit, honey, or milk. Do not miss a healthy breakfast, so the body can fit all day.

Every woman wants healthy skin, soft and fresh. Not a few women complain of dull skin, rough, and not shiny. Many factors can damage skin care, ranging from ultraviolet to the dust and pollution. What are treatment that required for healthy skin?. Here are some tips or ways to have a healthy skin, soft, clean and fresh.

1. It has long been drinking enough water can help rejuvenate human skin. It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. When the weather is hot or after exercise is recommended to drink more. The skin will retain moisture and drinking enough water also helps rid the body of harmful toxins.

2. Eat foods that have more fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, etc.. Because fiber foods can aid digestion and absorption are more optimal. In addition, to improve the cleaning dirt from our bodies.

3. Besides fiber eat foods that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants may slow the aging of human skin cells. These substances are found mainly in fruits and vegetables.

4. Eat a variety of foods. Foods that contain protein and carbohydrates from different sources can prevent fermentation in the large intestine. So it can enhance the absorption of nutrients in the blood.

6. When you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of warm water, followed by drinking nettle tea or warm water with lemon juice. This can help cleanup dirt in our body. And help refresh your body after a long sleep.

7. Avoid very spicy foods and foods that contain lots of salt. Because foods that contain lots of sodium can lead to swelling of the skin.

8. Avoid smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and caffeine in large quantities. Because it can make our skin dry and dull.

9. Avoid foods that contain a lot of oil or fat is bad, like fried, coconut milk, etc.

10. Regular exercise to maintain a healthy and toned skin. Exercise can also reduce the fats in our body.

11. Protect your skin from the sun directly. Use a moisturizer that helps the skin stay moist and protects the skin from the sun. Protect skin by using a jacket or other protective when extremely hot weather is also important.

12. Use cosmetic products are safe for the skin. There are many people who are allergic to a particular substance. In the event of damage or symptoms that are not right after using cosmetics, immediately consult a trusted dermatologist.

Selenium is a mineral that helps protect skin cells from free radicals. In addition, these minerals also function to prevent cancer. You can get selenium from foods such as brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, cod, tuna, salmon, beef, scallops, sardines, crab, and whole-wheat pasta.

3. CoQ10:

Coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body. Antioxidants protect the skin and the body’s cells from free radical damage. In addition, CoQ10 is also involved in energy production and immune system function. You can get antioxidants from oily fish such as salmon and tuna, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains.

4. Antioxidants for healthy cells

Antioxidants prevent or slow the cellular damage caused by free radicals. This damage will cause the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry skin. Antioxidants can be found in all kinds of food, especially colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, tomatoes, apricots, beets, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, peppers, soybeans and orange.

5. Vitamin A for skin repair.

Wanna have a bright and smooth skin? Add intake of oranges, carrots or cantaloupe. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain the skin layer moisture. In addition, you can also get vitamin A from green leafy vegetables, eggs, and low fat dairy products such as cheese and milk.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that can prevent skin damage from the sun. Vitamins also act as anti-inflammatory and strengthens the immune system. This vitamin can be obtained from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus, and green vegetables.

8. Essential fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 oils help produce the skin’s natural protective layer and prevent the appearance of acne. You can get these essential fats from olive oil and canola oil, flaxseed, walnuts, and other types of fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel.

9. Healthy oils.

Some types of oils rich in essential fatty acids more than other oils. Virgin olive oil, for example, more rich in fatty acids than other types of commercial oil. These oils help moisturize the skin and keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.

Fruits are an important source of energy and nutrition that are needed for a healthy diet. You can start your diet by eating fresh fruits every day. But you have to know that not all types of fruits are good for your healthy diet. Choose the kinds of fruits which are low in cholesterol, fat, and sugar. If you want to make a healthy diet, try to add fresh fruits and vegetables to every meal you eat.

If you want to lose weight you can lose weight naturally by eating fresh fruit. Fruit is a kind of foods that are low in calories and low in fat but high in fiber. Fruits contain a low amount of calories and a variety of benefits in the form of vitamins and minerals that can create tremendous benefits.

Healthy Diet by Eating Fresh Fruit

There are 2 types of fruit that important for diet menu. The first is fruits that high in carbohydrate. The kinds of fruits that high in carbohydrates such as bananas, pears, kiwi, mango and grapes are usually consumed as breakfast. Fruits that content carbohydrate are very good to eat in the morning because this kind of fruit provides energy towards your activity.

The next is fruits that low in carbohydrate such as watermelon, peach, melon, apples, and papaya. This fruits contain a lot of water that can control the temperature of the body in order to help reduce the bad cholesterol from the body. The kinds of fruit that has a low carbohydrate contain limited sugar so that it can help in burning fat. Juicy fruits provide water content needed for effective digestion and also to the excretion of toxins, thus helping detoxification and healthy weight loss.

Below are several kinds of fruits that can help you to lose weight:

Diet with bananas
Bananas are rich in starch that can be dissolved, so it will speed up the fat burning process. Bananas are also low in calories. A banana contains about 120 to160 calories. Eating a banana every morning before breakfast will make you feel full so you will eat less than usual breakfast. Eating bananas will make you feel full longer because bananas high in fiber.

Diet with Papaya
Papaya also has many health benefits when it is consumed regularly. One of the most popular is that papaya is able to make the maximum contribution to lose weight safely. Papaya provides approximately 11% daily fiber that needed by the body. The high fiber in papaya will help the process of elevation of blood sugar and glycogen that can help in preventing weight gain.

Diet with Watermelon
Watermelon is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C which are important for diet. This fruit contains no fat so it is good for diet. Watermelon also contains lycophene, a substance that is known to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and can reduce the risk of vision loss due to aging. The role of vitamin A and vitamin C is to reduce blood pressure and pumping energy in the body. By eating watermelon also helps in reducing hunger because watermelon contents a lot of water.

Diet with Apple
Apple is a fruit that is also rich in fiber. By eating 2 apples a day can meet the needs of fiber in our body. When people chew an apple, they will get a very low amount of calories, as well as antioxidants that help prevent various diseases. Apple has a sweet taste that will relieve the desire to eat snacks like candy. Apples can also clean the system in the body that can help lose weight.

Diet with pineapple
Pineapple is a fruit that is low in fat and cholesterol. Pineapple is also rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals and other essential nutrients. Pineapple is very good for a diet program because this fruit contains 85 percent of the water that will make the stomach remains full for a long time to reduce the desire to eat. Another benefit of eating pineapple is to accelerate the process of weight reduction.

Diet with oranges
Oranges can help the gastric emptying process so that by eating oranges keeps you fell full for long time. Oranges also contain a lot of water. Oranges are one source of energy and will also help in the process of fat burning in the body. You can squeeze the oranges then brew it with warm water and add honey. This drink is one of the best ways to lose excess weight and help the body’s metabolic system.

Diet with kiwi fruit
Kiwi is a good source of vitamin C. Kiwi fruit has a high fiber content which can helps to reduce appetite. Kiwi is not only good for diet program but also good for digestion.

Diet with strawberries
Fruit berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are unbelievably good to help the metabolism. This fruit can neutralize toxins and other materials that cannot be digested. Berries also help to reduce bad cholesterol which also helps you to lose weight.

Diet with dried fruits
Dates, prunes and raisins are dried fruits types that can be added in the diet menu. Such as fresh fruit, dried fruit is also effective in reducing cholesterol and burning excess fat. Dried fruits are very good for losing weight quickly if it is included in your diet menu. This kind of fruits is also boost the immune system and helps detoxification.

A nutrition advisory panel is convened by the US Department of Agriculture every five years to review recent research in the field, make sense of it, and offer recommendations about what Americans should be eating for optimal health. Those food pyramids, MyPlate, decades of advice to limit our cholesterol, saturated fat and salt intake? All the work of these panels of experts who scoured the data and told us what it meant. And as a result, from the 1960’s onward, good, conscientious people reduced their cholesterol intake, took the salt shaker off the table and the whole milk and butter out of the refrigerator, cattle were bred to be leaner, eggs were banned from breakfast, low-salt and low-fat processed foods appeared on the shelves, and heart disease death rates … continued to fall.

Deaths due to diseases of the heart (United States: 1900–2006). Circulation.2010; 121: e46-e215

Now, according to numerous news accounts, including here at the Washington Post, after more than 50 years of anti-cholesterol, anti-fat expert advice, the current advisory panel is reportedly poised to recommend that we need no longer need to limit the amount of cholesterol we eat, nor worry about our salt intake. Bring on the shrimp, the lobster, the eggs, the meat, banish the guilt!

Oh, wait. Hold on a sec. Let’s go back to those falling heart disease rates. I remember one of the first lectures I heard as a new grad student at the University of Texas School of Public Health in the late 1970s, given by heart disease epidemiologist Reuel Stallones, Dean of the school. His point was that rates had been falling since the 1960’s and epidemiologists had no idea why. He systematically destroyed every argument then (and now) current that might explain the rise and fall of heart disease death rates — changing diet, decreased smoking, de/increased exercise.

In fact, he made the same case in 1980 in Scientific American in an article called “The Rise and Fall of Ischemic Heart Disease”. (The terms ischemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerotic heart disease are more or less interchangeable, according to Stallones.)

In the U.S. the death rates attributed to heart attack and other results of the obstruction of the arteries that nourish the heart have fallen since the 1960’s. Why they have is not understood.

Here’s Stallones’ graph of heart disease death rates, from 1900 to 1980. I can’t explain why deaths are still rising in the above graph in the 1950’s, but falling in this graph; presumably this has to do with differing classifications of deaths due to heart disease. Anyway, here rates rose rapidly starting in 1920 and then began to fall in the 1950’s, steeply in the 1960’s.

Stallones, Scientific American 354(5); 53-59

Here’s another graph showing the decline more or less in line with Stallones’ data, from a 2000 paper in Circulation.

“Death rates for major cardiovascular diseases in the United States from 1900 to 1997. *Rates are age-adjusted to 2000 standard.” Source: Circulation, Cooper et al., 2000

As Stallones wrote, “Plainly a sustained decline in the death rate for ischemic heart disease commands attention and calls for explanation.” And, he backs up to ask not only why the fall, but why it was that heart disease mortality began to rise so quickly in 1920, particularly among men. Whatever explains the decrease must also explain the increase.

Smoking began to rise after World War 1, which fits the rise in heart disease mortality, and began to decrease from the mid-1960’s or so, which fits the decrease. But such an explanation would assume no latency period between beginning to smoke and its effects on heart disease. And, middle-aged men quit smoking at higher rates than women, and this is not, as Stallones said, in concordance with the pattern of decline in heart disease mortality. Treatment isn’t an effective explanation either, because incidence rates — new cases — followed the same pattern as mortality.

He concluded,

In summary, four major variables are known to be associated with the risk of ischemic heart disease in individuals. Among the four, hypertension does not fit the trend of the mortality from ische­mic heart disease at all; physical activity fits only the rising curve, serum choles­terol fits only the falling curve and only cigarette smoking fits both. In no case is the fit as precise as one would like. This raises doubt that any of the factors is a fully satisfactory explanation for the variation in mortality.

So, in sum, as of 1980 epidemiology had no explanation for the rise and fall of heart disease mortality rates.

And epidemiology still can’t tell us what causes heart disease, or predict who’ll get it. So, apparently we’ll soon be told that we no longer have to monitor our cholesterol intake, and there’s a lot of talk about fat consumption not being linked with heart disease anymore, and it’s not clear whether obesity or hypertension are actually causal. At least smoking is probably still a problem.

It’s clear from the rise and fall of death rates through the 20th century that genes aren’t going to be the major explanation because genes can’t explain the spike in the 1920’s and the fall 40 years later. That experience also makes it clear that we can’t predict environmental changes (or, often, even figure out what they were in hindsight) that might be associated with risk, and thus we aren’t going to be able to predict the future, despite the claims of precision medicine advocates.

Stallones suggested that heart disease mortality data might indicate a single environmental cause to explain the rise and fall of death rates, but found reasons to argue against each of the most obvious ones. Could the cause have been inflammatory? If so, that would reinforce the idea that predicting future environments and causes is not going to be possible.

And, if there was a single cause, it’s curious that our reductionist approaches, with large carefully designed samples and sophisticated statistical analysis, were unable to identify it, because that’s what they are widely thought to be best at. This makes it more likely that heart disease in populations has multiple causes. And in fact every heart attack is unique, because no two people eat the same things, do the same amount of exercise, suffer the same infectious diseases, and so on. So maybe the very word ’cause’, and the very approach (statistical), both of which assume some regular, replicability properties, are not being appropriately conceived. This is a subject we’ll discuss next time…..

“Experts” responding to the coming cholesterol recommendations have said that we still need to eat a healthy diet. But when we still have no idea what’s unhealthy, it’s hard to know what is.

It is a typical inquiry among numerous how to locate a decent dental center. This turns into an unavoidable issue on the off chance that you are looking for dental center in wherever that you don’t know much. The answer is that in the event that you are looking for the best dentistry facility in Richmond Hill like family dentistry Richmond Hill center, then you will just discover it in the foundation, which has an alternate name for itself. Be that as it may, there are some vital focuses that will help you in selecting the right dental facility for your needs.

Vital Features of a Good Dental Clinic

Making a visit to any dental facility is not the same dependably that we regularly expect, particularly in the event that we had an awful ordeal before. For it, this fills in right now that we generally settle on the decision of the right dental center, which won’t just make us agreeable, however in the meantime will convey the administration that we generally anticipate. This thing is pertinent in every one of the circles of Richmond Hill dentistry.

The components of a decent dental center

As a matter of first importance, a great family dentistry Richmond Hill center must be cordial. This is one such region that ought to be secured legitimately. A decent dental center is that, where you will have the capacity to appreciate a light warmed and amicable air and will have the capacity to correspond appropriately with the staff individuals from the facility. You must concede that none like to be around surly individuals paying little mind to the demonstrable skill.

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Conclusion

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How to live a healthy life in modern day suburbia or in the heart of the city can at times be challenging. The key lies within yourself and your attitude towards the elements that surround you. Sadly we cannot turn the clock back to a time when foods did not contain additives, colourants and flavourants, or to when humanity did not pollute our rivers with waste, but thankfully we still have the freedom to choose how we live in this modern age.

To ensure that you are not introducing toxins into your system, the only way how to live a healthy life is to ensure that all your fruits and vegetables are organic in origin and free from pesticides and chemicals. Be aware! Read food labels and you’ll see that most products list their ingredients.

Drink plenty of water! If you can get it, choose water that has been through a reverse osmosis process that purifies it and leeches out all toxins. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and stay away from heavily fried and rich foods that contain lots of trans fats. Avoid products that contain a lot of sugar and white flour.

Here comes that dirty eight letter word – exercise. The human body was designed to move and exercise doesn’t have to be an unpleasant chore. No need to spend hours in the overcrowded gym down the road pumping iron. Exercise can be fun and exhilarating. Join a walking group and make new friends, learn a new skill and start windsurfing lessons or take your four-legged friend for a daily walk in the park.

Sleep is another very obvious but much ignored part of how to live a healthy life. The human body needs a minimum of eight hours of sleep a night to function properly. Today’s modern lifestyle is not really conducive to restful sleep, with many people having television sets in their bedrooms and having such entertainments as video games and Internet access which can keep the average person preoccupied for hours. So, how to live a healthy life is really quite simple. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, get enough exercise and reward yourself with restful sleep.

Measles is a viral infection and is highly contagious. Symptoms of measles include inflammation of the respiratory system and rashes all over the body. Measles is not a serious threat for people who have healthy immune system but it can still lead to a more serious problems including pneumonia and even encephalitis or inflammation of the brain if left untreated or ignored, especially to children.

Measles is a communicable disease but there is no particular medicine the doctor can prescribe once you get infected. Normally, the virus and symptoms will disappear within 2-3 weeks. However, measles can be prevented through immunization. Children can be protected against measles with a combined vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella called MMR. Ideally, infants between 12 to 13 months should be given the first dose of MMR. The second dose is then administered between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.

Proper Hygiene
One of the best and natural ways to prevent measles is proper hygiene. Maintaining a good hygiene can go a long way to prevent measles, or any other disease for that matter. Just like other viruses, the measles virus can be transferred from one person to another by hand. A direct hand-to-hand contact with a person with measles is a way to get infected. Even merely touching the object or anything touched by the infected person is a way to spread the virus. Therefore, just by washing hands as frequent as possible, you’ll prevent measles from spreading. Wash your hands thoroughly so that the source of infection is eliminated.

Four-And-Four Rule
A person with measles should avoid interacting with others to prevent the spread of the disease since it is airborne and highly contagious. Once a family member is infected with measles, it is more important to contain the infection and protect the other family members from getting the disease. About four days before and four days after the rashes break out, the infection is highly contagious. Do take note of this as the Four-And-Four rule. It is recommended then that the person infected should avoid interacting with other people during this period. Staying at home is best. And as much as possible, the person with measles must stay in a separate room.Surgical Masks
If for some isolated circumstance where you need to be with someone who has measles, the most natural and effective way to protect yourself is to wear surgical mask. Measles virus spreads easily because it is airborne. When a person with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus can get caught in the tiny droplets of moisture that get suspended in the air. You can get infected with the virus this way. Wearing a surgical mask is one way of protecting yourself to contact the virus. Surgical masks are affordable and you can buy them in most pharmaceutical stores. It also works the other way around. If you have measles and interacting with other people is inevitable, you can prevent spreading the virus by simply wearing a surgical mask.

Vitamin A
One of the risk factors of measles is vitamin A deficiency. Children who lack vitamin A in their system are predisposed to catching the virus. Vitamin A is used by the body to maintain the veracity of the cells that reinforce the cavities and flat surfaces of the body. Vitamin A also helps improve the immune system thus protecting you from catching measles virus or any diseases for that matter. You can increase your vitamin A by eating vitamin A rich foods such as carrots, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes and fish. When necessary or upon the advice of doctors, there are vitamin A capsules that can be administered to children with vitamin A deficiency. Just make sure that this is done by professionals.

You cannot treat measles with any prescription medication. While it is true that getting a vaccine (MMR) is a safe, inexpensive and effective way to prevent measles, there is no harm practicing the natural ways to prevent measles.

In order to keep our body healthy and protected from diseases and infections, we need to have a strong immune system. Diseases like AIDS and cancer weaken the immune system and make the body predisposed to all types of infections. Unfortunately, the immune system of some people are biologically weak and there are people whose workplaces are exposed to germs and infection. In any case, you can always do something to help your body develop a stronger immune system. Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways you can possibly do to help build your immune system. You can start by eating the right foods and choosing immune system building foods.

Yogurt
A great source of good bacteria, eating yogurt can help you develop a healthy immune system. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium which the body can use for proper digestion. When the foods you eat are properly digested, it will be easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. A healthy immune system also helps bodily functions to be in good working conditions. There has to be good bacteria in your gut to keep the immune system healthy. Yogurt is a good source of live bacteria cultures. Lactobacillus acidophilus can also be found in some brands of milk so always check out the labels.

Oranges
When you are starting to feel sick and want to recover fast, one of the best foods to eat is orange. This is according to a professor at the University of California at Irvine named Dr. Bill Sears. He also states that oranges are filled with vitamin C and a medium-sized orange contains about 75 mg of vitamin C. According to his website, vitamin C helps increase the production of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are essential to help the body resist infections and protect the body against viruses. Another antioxidant present in oranges is vitamin A that also helps boost the immune system.

Olive Oil
Monusaturated fats are good for the body because they help strengthen the immune system. You can get monusaturated fats from olive oil. When frying fish or chicken, it is better to use olive oil while you can also use it for your salad dressing recipe. To make your sautéed vegetables healthier and taste even better, just drizzle some olive oil. But take note that olive oil also contains calories so make sure to use just the right amount.

Broccoli
Amongst all the vegetables, broccoli is one of the healthiest. It contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that protect the body from free radicals and help boost the immune system. The immune system protects the body from outside influences such as cigarette smoke, pollution and too much sunlight. To reverse the damage, you can get help by eating healthy food like broccoli. Just add a little dressing and you can eat broccoli raw. Other options would be steamed, sautéed and grilled broccoli.

Oysters
If you prefer sea foods to boost the immune system, you can never go wrong with oysters. They are rich in zinc which is essential to help build the immune system. Zinc also helps the body to produce white blood cells and antibodies. Oyster is undeniably one of the best sources of zinc. This mineral helps keep the immune system strong. The immune system weakens if there is zinc deficiency. As always, too much of anything will have a negative effect so just have the right amount of zinc. Aside from oyster, other immune system building foods rich in zinc are beans, cheese, turkey, beef and crab.

Goiter is actually the swelling in the thyroid glands. The swelling can be abnormally large in size depending on how serious the condition is. Oftentimes, goiters are visible as neck bumps. It is unsightly and very painful. For people who have goiter, they may find it difficult to swallow and even normal breathing is a challenge.

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter. When there is not enough iodine in the body, the thyroid gland will not produce enough thyroid hormones. To compensate for the lack of thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland grows larger. Production of too much thyroid hormone can also cause goiter which is called toxic nodular goiter. Aside from iodine deficiency, other causes of goiter include infections, smoking, certain foods, genetics, gender, age and certain medicines. The simplest goiter can be prevented by using iodized table salt in your diet. Depending on the underlying causes, there are different ways on how to prevent and cure goiter.

When the goiter is caused by underactive thyroid, you can treat it with thyroid hormone replacement pills. If the goiter is due to iodine deficiency, the treatment could be potassium iodine solution or small doses of Lugol’s iodine. For hyperthyroidism or when high levels of thyroid hormones are produced, use radioactive iodine to lessen the swelling of the glands. The surgery needed to remove all or part of the gland is called thyroidectomy.

Garlic
A goiter can be treated naturally by eating garlic especially if it is caused by iodine deficiency because garlic is iodine enriched. Including garlic to your regular diet can increase your intake of iodine thus treating the symptoms of goiter in the process. Grated garlic can be added to salads while soups can have a little more flavor when you add chopped garlic. If you don’t like garlic in your food, your option is to take garlic supplements in the form of pills.

Lessen Green Tea Intake
If you are a regular drinker of green tea and you develop goiter, it is time to take it to a minimum. Green tea may be a healthy drink because it contains antioxidants, however, green tea is also rich in fluoride that blocks the body’s absorption of iodine from the food you eat. As mentioned earlier, the body needs enough iodine to prevent goiter. Therefore, too much fluoride in your body can increase your risk of developing goiter. Green tea is healthy when you drink in moderation. Drinking too much green tea could put your health in danger. Compared to black tea, green tea contains twice as much fluoride. If you cannot avoid drinking green tea, at least reduce it considerably to help prevent or cure goiter.

Taking herbal medicine is another option on how to cure goiter. You can improve your thyroid function by using herbal medicines. Herbs like Motherwort, lemon balm, skullcap and bugleweed in the form of tonic or tincture are excellent for treatment of goiter particularly Grave’s disease. You can make tea from herbs like Echinacea and then drink it to boost the immune system. Hashimoto’s disease can also be treated using herbs such as ashwagandha and bladderwrack.

Supplements
Goiter can also be treated by taking supplements. While it is true that Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease are both thyroid problems, they are also referred to as disorder of the body’s autoimmune system. When the immune system attacks the thyroid tissue, it can result to thyroid disorders. An immune system that functions really well may help prevent thyroid disorder. The symptoms of goiter are then regulated as well. Supplements that contain sterols and sterolins are good for your body as they help balance the immune system. These supplements are also good for the hyperactive immune system.

Adam and I had a little getaway in Boston. It was a belated 40th birthday present to me.

Why Boston? Because I am obsessed with exploring cities and the more historic, the better (and we can’t afford Europe or anywhere that far). Adam was born in Boston and has been there a bunch of times, but me, never. My grandparents had a summer home in the Berkshires, but I never wanted to drive into the city because I used to get uber car sick.

I’ll describe our trip tomorrow, but lets just say, a little R&R was exactly what we both needed. We both probably slept more in the 3 nights we were there, than we usually do in a whole week!

Now on to a little spicy snack recipe…

Malaysian curry powder is both sweet and spicy, and highly aromatic. I love it. One of the best things about Toronto is the diversity of food that is available. If you have the time to go looking, you can find just about anything. I get my Malaysian curry spice blend from House of Spice, here in Kensington Market. If you can’t find it where you live, you can find it online or even make your own.

Curried nuts of various kinds can be found in Toronto’s Little India, but I decided to put a little twist on it by using Malaysian curry powder and using almonds, which are one of Adam’s snacks of choice. Malaysian cuisine uses lots of coconut, so the flavour of the extra virgin coconut oil is perfect here.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. More than 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. A unique fact about cervical cancer is that most cases are triggered by a type of virus. When found early, cervical cancer is highly curable Symptoms of Cervical Cancer When cervical cells first become abnormal, there are rarely any warning signs. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include: Unusual vaginal discharge Vaginal bleeding between periods Bleeding after menopause Bleeding or pain during sex Top Cause of Cervical Cancer: HPV The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a large group of viruses. About 40 types can infect the genital areas, and some have high risk for cervical cancer. Genital HPV infections usually clear up on their own. If one becomes chronic, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. And it’s these changes that may lead to cancer. Worldwide, over 90% of cervical cancers are caused by an HPV infection. Symptoms of HPV HPV infections usually have no symptoms and go away on their own. Some types of the HPV virus may cause genital warts, but these are not the same strains linked to cervical cancer. It’s important to note that genital warts will not turn into cancer, even if they are not treated. The dangerous types of HPV can stay in the body for years without causing any symptoms. Who Is at Risk for HPV? HPV is so common that most people who have ever had sex — both women and men — will get the virus at some point in life. Because HPV can linger quietly, it’s possible to carry the infection even if it has been years since you had sex. Condoms can lower your risk of getting HPV, but they do not fully protect against the virus. HPV is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, and to anal and oral cancers in both sexes. How HPV Causes Cervical Cancer If one of the high-risk strains of HPV lingers in the body, it can cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. These precancerous changes do not mean that you have cervical cancer. But over time, the abnormal cells may give way to cancer cells. Once cancer appears, it tends to spread in the cervix and surrounding areas. What Else Raises Your Risk? Hispanic and African-American women have higher rates of cervical cancer than white women. The risk is also higher in infected women who: Smoke Have many children Use birth control pills for a long time Are HIV positive or have a weakened immune system Early Detection: Pap Test · The Pap test is one of the great success stories in early detection. A swab of the cervix can reveal abnormal cells, often before cancer appears. At age 21, women should start having a Pap test every three years. From age 30 to 65, women who get both a Pap test and an HPV test can go up to five years between testing. But women at higher risk may need testing more often, so it’s best to check with your doctor. Skipping tests raises your risk for invasive cervical cancer. · Of note: You’ll still need Pap tests after getting the HPV vaccine because it doesn’t prevent all cervical cancers. What If Your Pap Test Is Abnormal? If test results show a minor abnormality, you may need a repeat Pap test. Your doctor may schedule a colposcopy — an exam with a lighted magnifying device — to get a better look at any changes in the cervical tissue and also take a sample to be examined under a microscope. If abnormal cells are precancerous, they can then be removed or destroyed. Treatments are highly successful in preventing precancerous cells from developing into cancer. Early Detection: HPV DNA Test In some cases, doctors may offer the option of the HPV DNA test in addition to a Pap test. This test checks for the presence of high-risk forms of HPV. It may be used in combination with a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer in women over 30. It may also be recommended for a woman of any age after an abnormal Pap test result. Diagnosing Cervical Cancer: Ø Biopsy A biopsy involves the removal of cervical tissue for examination in a lab. A pathologist will check the tissue sample for abnormal changes, precancerous cells, and cancer cells. In most cases, a biopsy takes place in a doctor’s office during a colposcopy. A cone biopsy allows the pathologist to check for abnormal cells beneath the surface of the cervix, but this test may require anesthesia. Stages of Cervical Cancer Stage 0 describes cancer cells found only on the surface of the cervix. More invasive cancers are separated into four stages. Stage I is when the cancer has not spread beyond the cervix. Stage II means the tumor has spread to the upper part of the vagina. Stage III tumor extends to the lower part of the vagina and may block urine flow. Stage IV, the tumor has reached the bladder or rectum, or cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body and formed new tumors. Treatment: Ø Surgery If the cancer has not progressed past Stage II, surgery is usually recommended to remove any tissue that might contain cancer. Typically this involves a hysterectomy, the removal of the cervix and uterus as well as some of the surrounding tissue. The surgeon may also remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lymph nodes near the tumor. Ø Radiation External radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells in a targeted area. It can also help destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, uses radioactive material that is inserted into the tumor. Women with cervical cancer are often treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Side effects can include low blood cell counts, feeling tired, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools. Ø Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses drugs to reach cancer wherever it is in the body. When cervical cancer has spread to distant organs, chemotherapy may be the main treatment option. Depending on the specific drugs and dosages, side effects may include fatigue, bruising easily, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Coping With Cancer Treatments Cancer treatments may make you tired or uninterested in food. But it’s important to take in enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. Check with a dietitian for tips on eating well during cancer treatment. Staying active is also important. Gentle exercise can increase your energy while reducing nausea and stress. Check with your doctor to find out which activities are appropriate for you. Cervical Cancer and Fertility Treatment for cervical cancer often involves removing the uterus and may also involve removing the ovaries, ruling out a future pregnancy. However, if the cancer is caught very early, you still may be able to have children after surgical treatment. A procedure called a radical trachelectomy can remove the cervix and part of the vagina while leaving the majority of the uterus intact. Survival Rates for Cervical Cancer The odds of surviving cervical cancer are tied to how early it’s found. Almost 68% of women overall will survive for at least five years after diagnosis. But statistics don’t predict how well any one individual will respond to treatment. Vaccine to Help Prevent Cervical Cancer Vaccines are now available to ward off the two types of HPV most strongly linked to cervical cancer. Both Cervarix and Gardasil require three doses over a six-month period. Studies suggest the vaccines are effective at preventing chronic infections with the two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers. Gardasil also protects against two types of HPV that cause genital wart Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine? The vaccines are only used to prevent, not treat, HPV infection. They are most effective if administered before an individual becomes sexually active. The CDC recommends boys and girls get an HPV vaccine series when they are 11 or 12.

It has recently become standard practice to test every pregnant woman for gestational diabetes (GD) somewhere between 24-28 weeks along. There are many good things about this, mostly because once identified, there are real tangible things one can do to prevent the associated complications, often only with changes in diet and lifestyle.

My objection, personally, only came up to the method of testing. In an effort to make the process uniform, they use a glucose solution called Glucola to give you a set amount of sugar. The first screening test involves drinking the solution (50g of glucose from dextrose/corn sugar) within 5 minutes, waiting an hour, and then having blood drawn to test glucose levels. If your levels are high for this (over 140), you go on to do a similar procedure with 100g solution. This time, you have to come in fasted, have blood drawn, drink the solution, and get tested each hour for 3 hours. If any two of your values are considered high, you are officially diagnosed as having GD.

I get why this would be a very convenient and standardized way to do this for the medical community. You can compare data across populations and have very clear procedures. However, as an individual patient with my own needs, concerns, and medical history, this procedure was not in my best interest. As someone who has followed a whole foods based diet low in processed sugar and grains for several years (four now), I know that my body does not handle those things well at all. And I’m not alone in this. I am in no way perfect with my eating, but I do eat far less than the average amount of refined sugar. As a result, my system isn’t used to having to deal with large doses of glucose all at once and takes a bit longer to clear such occasional occurrences. I don’t believe this to be a pathological state or any problem for my overall health. Ironically, if I was eating an unhealthy diet of processed food, my body would probably be better equipped to deal with the sugar load, in the short term. The problem with this, though, is that over time my system would get worn out from such a taxing business and that is how Type 2 diabetes develops. You basically get burned out. With my former habits and family history, I know that would have inevitably been my fate, had I not changed my ways.

So back to this whole GD thing. I was pretty sure I was going to fail that test. I talked with my doctor about an alternative – what *I* care about is how *my* body is handling the actual food I eat every day, not how I handle a glass of flat sugary soda I’d never drink willingly in a million years. I bought a blood glucose meter and told her I’d be willing to test my sugars 4 times a day for a couple weeks to see how my body was handling what I actually eat. No dice. I was told I must do the glucose tolerance test. I know in theory that all health procedures are, in the end, up to the patient and that no one could force me to do anything. But that’s not how it feels. It felt like I had no choice, no options. I debated what to do and finally decided just to do the initial screening test. I have to say that I felt very pressured and uncomfortable with the whole thing.

And… I failed the screening test. Of course. This left me staring at the next step of the 3 hour test, which would be quite unpleasant. Try telling a pregnant lady she can’t eat anything when she gets up, has to make it to the lab, drink sugar, and sit for 3 hours – and get 4 blood draws. Women do this all the time and I am so sorry for that. That sounds like a lousy day. Couple that with how large amounts of sugar make me feel (exhausted, light headed, sometimes nauseated) and that just is not something I wanted to do. All so they could tell me I have GD based on completely abnormal behavior *for me*.

I should say that I don’t fear having to test blood sugar or monitoring it on my own at all. I certainly don’t fear the diet and lifestyle recommendations they’d give me (ironically to basically eat how I normally do and exercise). What I fear is a needless diagnosis on my medical history that would open me up for additional interventions and higher probability for things like being induced or even a C-section. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think any of those things are bad, they’re just overused and not optimal, if they can be safely avoided. I do not want to be classified high risk if my actual lifestyle, behavior, and health do not warrant it.

As a result, I started testing my blood sugar (BS) 4 times a day – fasting (goal of 95 or less) and 2 hours after meals (120 or less). I did that for a couple days between failing the screening test and seeing my doctor. (All but one of the values was in range – the outlier? The night I had gluten free pizza, a processed food that I eat occasionally – proving that I do not handle processed food well). I did this to show her not only that my numbers were fine based on what I actually eat, but also that I’m willing to be proactive about my health. Refusing the 3 hour test (which is what I went in to the appointment determined to do), was not about putting my head in the sand and pretending I don’t have a problem that might harm my baby. It was about individualizing my care and making sure I’m not treated for a disease I do not have.

It was an uncomfortable appointment and it was upsetting to me that the doctor was most concerned about checking things off her list – she just couldn’t fathom not doing B after A (if you fail the one hour, you do the three hour test). She barely looked at my BS numbers and food diary or even commented on the fact that they were almost all perfect, which would be impossible for anyone with gestational diabetes that wasn’t already being treated. I finally just had to say, “I’m not going to do it” – as an emphatic statement regarding the 3 hour test. Multiple times she threatened that I’d have to test my BS 4 times a day for the rest of my pregnancy, as if that was the worst thing in the world (people with GS do this, of course). Every time she said that, I just replied that would be fine with me. I love data and the info is very interesting to me, in any case.

In the end, she wrapped her head around the fact that I wasn’t going to budge and agreed to treat me like a gestational diabetic, in terms of monitoring BS, education, etc. but hold off on any official diagnosis until such time that I demonstrated that my numbers were not staying in range. This, was all I wanted. It was hard won, but totally worth it.

Coincidentally, my doctor is also expecting a baby so I will have to switch providers soon anyway. I will be asking about how the next one feels about this plan of action first thing!

The info I’m getting from testing has already been so enlightening. Knowing that pizza is not my friend (is anyone surprised?) is good to know since it is something I indulge in every so often. I’m going to test after making my own crust at home from this Paleo Spirit recipe which I love, to see if I tolerate that. If not, I will just avoid it, but it’s good to know either way. Another cool thing I’ve noticed is that putting maple syrup, honey, or dates in hot cocoa, tea, and protein shakes does not spike my BS at all. I don’t use a lot at any given time, but still, it’s good to know that I don’t have to go down to very low carb, something I was avoiding during pregnancy. Brown rice is fine, too. I will check on potatoes and sweet potatoes as they come up in my diet. I’ve had a few apples and a banana at one point, none of which pushed me over, either.

Overall, this has been a really interesting experience. It was frustrating to feel so misunderstood about something so important to my health and our little Cute Baby. I’m sure it won’t be the last time I’ll have to stand up for what should be common sense in this Bizarro world of ours. Personally, I hate confrontation and dealing with this was super tough on me. I definitely don’t do any of this lightly. For me, drinking something not-optimal once or twice isn’t the issue or a big deal. We are resilient beings, thank goodness. But, I don’t think it’s crazy to want to avoid all the potential downstream effects. So in the end, I’m glad I bothered to take a stand and I hope this might just make it a little bit easier on the next crazy lady who doesn’t want to drink the Kool-Aid Glucola.

Would you rather spend your money on sick prevention or sick maintenance?

Are you feeling tired, under the weather, constant allergies or headaches? What are you doing to eliminate them? Sick maintenance? Meaning go to the doctor, fork out your co-pay, possibly get a prescription, maybe buy some OTC meds, experience the side effects, dealing with insurance deductibles, the list can go on and on!

What if…just what if…you started spending your time and energy on sick PREVENTION instead of maintenance? How do you think your health would be affected? How do you think your pocketbook would be affected?

If you’re constantly sick or feeling bad, now may be the time to do a check on what’s affecting you. Lack of sleep? Poor eating habits? Allergies? Is your gut unhealthy? And now think about how much you’re spending each month to try to get healthy again, only to get sick AGAIN a few weeks later! Ugh!

Trust me, we’ve been there. We were there for a long time.

We finally got sick of sick and decided to get healthier!

Now that we’re using natural supplements and cleaning products, our allergies are BETTER, our gut health is WAY BETTER, this mama has TONS MORE ENERGY, my sweet husband has been sinus infection FREE, our son has been stomach virus FREE, and we’re not spending money on sick maintenance.

We’re spending that money on sick PREVENTION. And we’ve reaped the rewards of changing our lifestyle by doing so!

Now, I’m not a doctor, I will NEVER prescribe something to you. I will ALWAYS tell you to ask the opinion of your own doctor first.

However, I’m happy to share with you what safe, natural remedies work for our family! After lots of research, our family chose to use Shaklee’s products for a number of reasons, the top two I’ll list.

1) Their products are based on science, not fads. Shaklee’s products go through rigorous quality testing before being put on the shelves. Check out Clinical Research and theLandmark Study for more information!

2) Integrity. I don’t know about you, but integrity is huge when it comes to choosing a company that’s all about health and wellness. Shaklee is built on integrity and taking care of people; in fact, you won’t find a recall from our products anywhere. They want their products to be SAFE!

There is no such thing as a miracle pill, miracle oil, miracle drink, get better in 3 days while you lose 30lbs in the process. Sorry folks, it just doesn’t work that way.

Building better health takes time and commitment; not a whole lot of time, but you’ve got to be invested in yourself and your family for their future health! And it’s not that hard!

I’ve rediscovered my passion for HELPING OTHERS get healthier, happier and reap the rewards of this lifestyle. I want to help you too!

When you think of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), soldiers returning from combat may come to mind. But years of research suggest many others experience PTSD, too, even young children, though their symptoms may differ from those of older children, adolescents and adults.
PTSD in adults and children can occur after exposure to a traumatic event — living through one, witnessing one in person, or learning about a traumatic event that involved a family member. A traumatic event can include a violent experience in the home or community, a fire, a natural disaster, a car accident, or the sudden death of a family member. The younger a child is, the greater the impact. The loss of a parent or being removed from a parent, for example, feels like a threat to a child, according to child psychiatrist Judith Cohen, M.D., medical director of the Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Many children experience trauma — an estimated 14 to 43 percent, according to the National Center for PTSD. Of those, as many as 15 percent of girls and 6 percent of boys develop PTSD. Children with PTSD may experience distressful thoughts, ­and memories of the trauma may occur without warning. They may also have trouble sleeping and nightmares (though they may not seem clearly tied to the event). Traumatized children may try to avoid people or objects that are reminders of the event and they may act more irritable, have angry outbursts, or be easily startled. They may regress, wet the bed or talk baby-talk, and they may experience physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches. The symptoms can cause major distress and can impact how a child behaves or relates to family members.

To help a child heal from PTSD, treatment involves working with the child and parents and caregivers, creating a feeling of safety, helping the child to understand the condition, and encouraging the youngster to talk about his or her feelings (through art and play), to help develop relaxation and coping skills. Rehabilitation begins with building trust and it needs to be fun and engaging for young children, according to Dr. Cohen. Several different types of treatment are available for children with symptoms of PTSD and early intervention can be important in helping little ones cope with and heal from the effects of trauma.

Get simple, and brilliant tips, so you have beautiful and healthy eyes.
Therefore it is important for us to maintain the health of the eye so as not to have impaired vision or pain. Then how do I maintain the health of our eyes?Eyes are very important parts of the body, because only with healthy eyes we can see thisbeautiful world. But what would happen if our eyes are sore? No one wants to experience bad thing happen to their eyes.Here are some tips and solutions for the health of your eyes:

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain lots of vitamin A such as tomatoes and carrots.In addition, the content of beta carotene in carrots is the best substance to maintain eye health.

Avoid wearing contact lenses / contact lens more than 19 hours as this can result in vision impairment in the extreme and make the eyes uncomfortable.

Hardees for me has always been a love/hate relationship. They have changed their branding so many times over the years, frankly it’s been a bit hard to keep up with. Who remembers Carl, Jr? Or when they served fried chicken. I will admit their fried chicken beat KFC in my book and I loved their little peach cobblers. I don’t know what they did to that crust but I could have done without the filling and just enjoyed the top layer of goo stuck to the underside of the crust.

I will commend Hardees for providing much better nutrition information than some of the places we’ll visit over the coming weeks. I also love the fact I can create my meal and see how many calories I’ve racked up.

I encourage you to go to their site and Create Your Meal with what you would NORMALLY ORDER. The process will be a real eye-opener, I promise.

Case in point. Here’s my usual Hardees lunch when I go (which is seldom, but still)
1/4 pound new Jim Beam Bourbon Burger – 650 calories Yikes! (though it does offer 30g of Protein)
Unsweet tea was not an option. But except for the Splenda, no calories there anyway.

So there’s my dinner. I don’t like french fries. Since I only eat 3 or 4, I usually just snitch from Bob’s order.

And before I go any farther, if you think ordering the salad is getting you off the hook – you might be better off indulging in the double cheeseburger. Let’s find out, shall we?

Let’s start with the SALAD
A Side-Salad – 120 calories.
Add Ranch dipping sauce: 140 cal
Add Honey Mustard dipping sauce: 180 cal.So for a SIDE salad, (which usually comes in a 4″ bowl) we’re looking at around 300 calories depending on your dressing choice. You can shave this by doing what I do. If I know I’m going to be eating out, I carry a small bottle of homemade Olive Oil and Red wine vinegar in my snack cooler (along with my premade unsweet tea) Often times even if oil/ vinegar dressings are an option, they are not made with PURE OLIVE OIL, but rather a SOY/ EVOO blend. Go for the good stuff!

If you need more than that salad and a beverage to carry you through until dinner, you’re going to add a burger or something. What about:

3-Piece hand-breaded chicken tenders.
260 calories AND 13g of fat.

1/4 little thickburger 420 calories with everything.
Remember when I talked about the Meal Planner earlier. For things like burgers, you can add/ subtract the items you have on your burger and their calculator will adjust the calorie count.

Hardees does offer a Better For You Menu.
Whether you are Low Carb, Gluten Sensitive, Trim It orVeg It – they have items for you. Cool huh!

But it’s tricky. Remember our 1/4 little cheeseburger was420 calories?
A Low Carb 1/3 pound burger is 470. On the Upside, because it’s low carb, there’s no bread so you can enjoy the calories in a bit more burger. The ‘sandwich’ comes wrapped in lettuce and a paper wrapping.

For a Trim It option, let’s go back to the 1/4 pound burger. We already know what the regular burger in this is going to cost us. This one is only 220 calories! Presented just like the Low Carb version, but the smaller patty.

The Veg It Thick burger – Hold the Patty – is a whopping 510 calories!
What are you getting for this Veg It option? Bun, cheese, pickle, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup. A 1/4 Thick Burger WITH MEAT has less calories!

Finally, for the Gluten-Sensitive…You get the 1/3 poundLow Carb option for 470 caloriesMy Tip on this post… Plan Ahead and make use of their Meal Planner. Make your choices and print those meal options out onto a small card to keep in your wallet. In fact… as soon as I get some creative time I have a key chain you’re going to LOVE! I might even give one away. So stay tuned!

This weekend I received my MedStar Total Rewards material and had a chance to look through it. While this is a routine annual occurrence for those of us who have been at MedStar for a while, I was pleased to see how the MedStar Select option has grown to now have out-of-network coverage. There were several other things, besides the usual medical and dental coverage – lots of choices which is good because that way each person just selects what makes sense for them and their family. Take time and check it out – it really is a great benefit to being part of a large organization that is putting more emphasis on healthy living.